India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando have been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following an on-field incident during the opening day of the second ICC World Test Championship match in Colombo.
Both players were found guilty of breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with inappropriate physical contact involving players, support staff, umpires, match referees or other individuals during an international match.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando Receive ICC Punishment
As a result of the breach, Jaiswal and Fernando were each fined 25 per cent of their match fee and received one demerit point.
The ICC confirmed that neither player had committed any previous offence during the preceding 24 months.
Both Jaiswal and Fernando admitted to the breach and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Therefore, no formal disciplinary hearing was required.
What Happened Between Jaiswal and Fernando?
The incident took place during the 17th over of India's innings after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal.
Following his dismissal, Jaiswal walked towards the Sri Lankan bowler and the two players exchanged words. Fernando then moved his head towards Jaiswal, prompting the Indian batter to lean forward.
The exchange resulted in head-to-head contact, leading to the ICC disciplinary action against both players under Article 2.12.
India and Sri Lanka Locked in Intense Colombo Test
The incident came during an intense second Test between India and Sri Lanka, with both teams competing in the ICC World Test Championship.
Rain interrupted proceedings during the third session on Day 2, bringing play to an early halt. Before the weather intervened, India declared their innings at 503/9, with wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel scoring an unbeaten century.
The Colombo Test has already produced plenty of drama, with the Jaiswal-Fernando confrontation adding another talking point to an otherwise fiercely contested match.
